Africa Now Imports 60% More Electric Motorcycles from China

Africa’s imports of electric three-wheelers and motorbikes from China increased significantly in the first half of 2026, highlighting a disparity in the continent’s shift to electric vehicles. The majority of cars on African highways are two- and three-wheelers, which are also widely utilised in commerce. Therefore, moving from petrol and diesel engines to electric ones could reduce fuel consumption and urban air pollution.

Morocco, Egypt, Algeria, and other northern African nations spearheaded the 60% increase in the continent’s imports to $114.6 million. For fully assembled Chinese electric scooters, the region has emerged as a significant market.

In contrast, most investments in EV startups are in East and Central Africa, where businesses are building regional assembly facilities, battery-swapping networks, and commercial motorbike ecosystems.

With 80,188 units valued at $21.7 million, Morocco was the top importer in the first half, followed by Egypt and Algeria. With 19,635 electric bikes valued at $6.9 million, South Africa was the largest importer in sub-Saharan Africa. According to independent electric two- and three-wheeler expert Peter Kossakowski, who has worked all throughout Africa, the distinction is due to two different markets.

“The majority of Chinese imports into North Africa are electric scooters and mopeds that people purchase for short trips and commuting,” he stated. Motorcycles are more commonly used as commercial vehicles in East and West Africa, where riders might travel up to 150 kilometres (about 100 miles) per day to transport people and goods.

Also Read:

At The Doha forum, the Somali President Denounces Israel’s Recognition of Somaliland 

Steven Looije: Offering Real Estate Expertise for Smart Investments With HUIS Real Estate